Friction Supported Boot Strap Having a Grippable Surface and Method of Making the Same

ABSTRACT

A stretchable boot strap having a friction enhancing layer and a comfort enhancing layer is provided. The stretchable boot strap is adapted to be positioned on a portion of the wearer&#39;s lower leg. When the stretchable boot strap is positioned underneath a boot, the frictional interaction between the stretchable boot strap and the interior surface of the boot prevents the boot from sliding down the wearer&#39;s leg.

Invention is a stretchable strap or loop that will fit over one's calf to aid in the support of boot shafts while wearing. Said strap has a grip enhancing feature along the outer side of the strap. The purpose of the strap is to provide enough thickness and friction to fit beneath one's loose fitting boots in order to hold them up the leg when walking. Some boots made of soft suede will slide down the leg if there is not enough fabric beneath them to hold them up the leg. Often women will rear suede boots with a skirt and thin tights. If one does not want to wear thick knee length socks with the suede boots, the shaft of the boot will often fall down the leg when one is walking. In other cases, some people may have thin calves and regular boots, which are sold by foot size only and do not compensate for calf size, may have issues with the boot shaft not staying up on the leg.

BACKGROUND

There are many different types and styles of commercially available footwear. Boots are an especially popular form of footwear due, on one hand, to their inherent functionality, and on the other hand, the fashion trends. There are many styles of boots useful for particular activities, sports, weather, and professions, such as equestrian riding boots, cowboy boots, hiking boots, snow boots, rain boots, steel toe boots, motorcycle boots, and combat boots. Other styles of boots are primarily focused on the fashion trends, such as, mid-calf boots, knee-high boots, thigh-high boots, stiletto heel boots, wedge boots, slouchy boots, booties, and UGG brand sheepskin boots.

Unlike shoes, which are designed to cover only the wearer's foot, boots are designed to cover not only the wearer's foot and ankle, but also some portion of the leg. That is, the boot shaft extends some distance up the user's leg. Most boots are sold by foot, or shoe size (i.e., the length of the foot) and do not account for leg size (i.e., calf circumference or shape). As such, some wearer's can barely pull or zip their boots up and other wearer's boots slide down. Some existing boots have attempted to provide a boot shaft that is made from a stretchable material or provide a small elastic portion at the top of boot in order to accommodate different leg sizes. Unfortunately, these features usually compromise the boots' function and/or fashion, and they do not provide the wearer with much size customization. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a way for wearer's to customize the fit of their boot without sacrificing the boot's function/fashion.

In addition, the fit of the boot is often affected by what garment is worn underneath. For example, a pair of tall boots worn with denim jeans or leggings underneath may be sufficiently thick to hold up the boots; however, the same boots may slip down the leg when worn with hosiery or tights underneath. Often times it is financially, economically, or stylistically impractical to wear only certain garments with certain boots. As such, there is a need to be able to wear numerous garments under the same pair of boots.

Accordingly, there as a long felt need in the art to provide a device that allows the wearer to customize his or her boot fit and improve the versatility of e boot.

The following specification describes a boot strap and method for making and using a boot strap that is worn on the wearer's leg to prevent a boot from slipping/sliding down the leg, thereby reducing boot movement and enhancing comfort.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that the present invention includes a variety of different versions or embodiments, and this Summary is not meant to be limiting or all inclusive.

This Summary provides some general descriptions of some of the embodiments, but may also include some more specific descriptions of other embodiments.

At least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions includes a stretchable strap that is capable of stretching around at least a portion of a wearer's leg, and further includes a structure or structures for enhancing the frictional characteristics of at least a portion of the exterior surface of the strap. The strap has many potential uses, such as, preventing a boot from slipping down a wearer's leg, preventing a jacket from riding up a wearer's arm, or preventing movement of sensitive equipment (i.e., a camera) in a camera case or other protective storage bag. It is to be understood, however, that the invention can be used for any purpose for which it is found applicable.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a strap is provided for securing the position of a boot relative to a wearer's body and resists sliding along the body.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a device for preventing boots from sliding down a wearer's leg is provided, comprising: a stretchable strap having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface including a friction enhancing layer with at least one friction enhanced region and the second surface including a comfort enhancing layer; wherein, when positioned on the wearer's leg, the first surface is adjacent to an interior surface of a boot and the second surface is adjacent to the wearer's skin.

In accordance with further embodiments of the one or more present inventions, a strap having at least one of a friction enhancing layer and a comfort enhancing layer.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present Inventions, a strap comprising at least one of neoprene, elastic and silicon screen is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention is rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention is described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boot strap in accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the first surface of the boot strap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the second surface of the boot strap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is the technical drawing of boot strap illustrating the various construction Materials and measurements of said materials.

FIG. 5 is a technical drawing view of the layers of embodiment of the boot strap in accordance with at least one embodiment of the one more present inventions.

FIG. 6A is a view of the boot strap of FIG. 1, shown positioned on the lower leg of a wearer;

FIG. 6B is a view of an exemplary boot worn over the boot strap as shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a view of a wearer whose slouchy boots are kept in position by wearing the boot straps of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view an exemplary boot having a boot strap integrated therein in accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions;

The drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the one or more inventions described herein include one one or more devices, assemblies and/or methods related to a boot strap. A boot strap in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein can be used to prevent boots from sliding down the legs, reduce overall boot shifting and/or friction and increase boot wearing comfort.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of the one or more present inventions is shown. In at least the embodiment depicted, the boot strap generally includes a stretchable strap having first and second surfaces. When positioned on a wearer, the first surface is adjacent to a boot or other object and the second surface is adjacent to the wearer's skin.

The boot strap may be made in a variety of widths, such as widths between about 0.5 and 3 inches. In one embodiment, the boot strap has a width of between about 1 and 2 inches. Of course, the specific width may be customized for various wearers and specific boot types. One of skill in the art wall appreciate that it may be desirable to have different width boot straps for different styles of boots.

Similarly, the boot strap may be made in a variety of sizes, such as circumferences between about 6 and 16 inches. The specific size is customizable for wearers of different lower leg circumferences. On of skill in the art will appreciate that the strap may be sized to accommodate any number of particular wearers. For example, if a wearer is recovering from a lower leg trauma (i.e., a broken tibia/fibula bone) and that wearer has lost some musculature because the leg has been immobilized in a cast, the wearer can utilize the boot strap described herein so that he/she can still wear a favorite pair of boots without them sliding down the leg.

The strap is made such that it stretches in a longitudinal direction. The strap may be constructed from any of a selection of resiliently flexible yet durable materials of varying thickness. The strap is made of an elasticized material. For example, the strap may comprise, in whole or in part, a knit fabric, cotton, polypropylene, polyester, spandex, nylon, neoprene, or a woven elastic. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of alternative materials may be used to form the strap, such as eco-friendly or other “green” fabrics, and such alternate materials are within the scope of the present invention. The strap fabric has good memory in that it retains its original size and shape over many stretch cycles. The strap also has sufficient stretch such that it expands to fit the wearer's leg comfortably and will remain in substantially the same position on the leg as the leg moves through extension, flexion, and rotation.

As shown in FIG. 2, in at least one embodiment, the first surface includes at least a friction enhancing layer. In at least one embodiment, the friction enhancing layer includes a rubberized material. In another embodiment, the friction enhancing layer includes a latex material. For those wearer's having an allergy to latex, alternative materials, such as nitrile, silicone or Dycem brand non-slip materials may be used. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of materials having non-slip, anti-slip, slip resistant characteristics or a material having a desirable coefficient of friction may be used to increase the frictional interaction between the friction enhancing layer of the strap and another object, such as an interior surface of a boot.

In at least one embodiment, the friction enhancing layer is fastened to the strap by sewing. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of known stitching patterns, including both hand and machine stitches, such as a running stitch, a chain stitch, a lockstitch, or a zigzag stitch may be used to fasten the friction enhancing layer to the strap. However, it is to be understood that alternative fastening means may be used for attach the friction enhancing layer to the strap, such as grommets, hook- and loop strips, adhesives, and such alternative fastening means are within the scope of the present invention. In another embodiment, the strap incorporates the friction enhancing layer by weaving rather than by sewing or gluing, such that the friction enhancing layer integrally formed as part of the strap.

FIG. 3 shows that the second surface of at least one embodiment includes at least a comfort enhancing layer. Although the comfort enhancing layer may be fastened to the strap using any of the foregoing fastening means, in at least one embodiment, the comfort enhancing layer is sued to the strap.

Because the comfort enhancing layer is adjacent to the wearer's skin in use, the comfort enhancing layer is made from a material that is soft and non-abrasive. In one embodiment, the comfort enhancing layer is made from brushed cotton. The material selection may change depending on a variety of factors, such as season and climate.

Wearer's living in colder climates may desire the comfort enhancing layer be made of fleece, flannel, sheepskin, chenille, velvet, or other warm fabrics. Similarly, wearer's living in warmer climates may desire the comfort enhancing layer be made of breathable, moisture-wicking, moisture absorbing, and/or odor absorbing materials. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of fabrics or materials may be chosen depending on the desired comfort characteristics.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an additional embodiment of the first surface of the boot strap is shown. In at least one embodiment, the friction enhancing layer includes at least one frictionally enhanced region and at least one non-frictionally enhanced layer. The measurements of said materials are included in this technical drawing. Included are circumferences, binding height, neoprene height, spandex inset height, elastic height, inkier brushed fabric height frictionally enhanced silicon height, height from top edge to top of elastic, height from bottom edge of elastic to bottom edge, width of spandex inset, width of neoprene, width of inner brushed fabric or comfort enhancing layer, width of binding, elastic width and width of frictionally enhanced silicon layer.

FIG. 5 is a technical drawing that shows yet another embodiment of the first surface of the boot strap of the present inventions and its fabric placement. The friction enhancing layer includes a frictionally enhanced region that s disposed in a sinusoidal manner across the length of the strap. Fabric 1 is neoprene, Fabric 2 is Spandex, Fabric 3 is Brushed polyester/spandex comfort enhancing layer, Trim 4 is elastic with clear silicon screen which acts as the frictionally enhanced layer. The friction enhanced region may also include a pattern of raised, textured or otherwise slip-resistant material fabricated at particular locations along the length of the strap. In still other embodiments, the friction enhanced region includes elastic rubber threads or raised latex or silicone projections.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the strap is stretchable such that it expands and contracts to fit the leg comfortably as the leg extends, flexes, rotates, or otherwise moves. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the wearer does not want to have to re-adjust or re-position the boot strap when he or she is wearing the boot strap. In some embodiments, the strap comprises a material panel having first and second ends that are sewn or otherwise joined or connected to form a ring-shaped strap. In other embodiments, the strap comprises a material panel having first and second ends that selectively fasten to form a strap. By way of example and not limitation, hook-and-loop strips, such as Velcro brand material, may be used to selectively fasten the first and second ends of the boot strap. It is to be understood that alternate materials may be used to selectively fasten and form the strap, and such materials are within the scope of the inventions described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A, the boot strap of at least one embodiment of the present inventions is shown positioned on the lower leg of a wearer. As depicted, the boot strap is positioned beneath but in proximity to the wearer's knee. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the boot strap may be positioned at any location along the lower leg (by stretching the strap to the desired location) depending on the length of the boot and the desired fit.

FIG. 6B shows an exemplary boot worn over the boot strap. The boot strap is positioned such that it is not visible once the boot is positioned on the wearer's foot. The boot strap is configured such that it fills at least some amount of volume or space between the wearer's leg and the boot so that the boot remains in frictional contact with the boot strap, which prevents the boot from slipping down the wearer's leg.

FIG. 7 shows a wearer whose soft sided potentially suede or slouchy style boots are not sliding down the leg because the boots are kept in position by the frictional fit provided by the boot straps positioned underneath.

Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The boot strap of at least one embodiment of the present invention is integrated into the interior surface of the boot. The integrated boot strap may include all or some of the features described above. By way of example, the integrated boot strap generally includes a stretchable strap including a first surface having a friction enhancing layer and a second surface having a comfort enhancing layer, and wherein, when positioned on the wearer, the first surface is adjacent to a surface of the boot and the second surface is adjacent to the wearer's skin.

Although the above-embodiments describe the strap as stretchable in at least some embodiments of the one or more present inventions, the strap is not substantially stretchable. In these embodiments, an adjustable fasteners, such as hook and-loop strips or a retaining ring, may be used to selectively secure the boot strap at a certain length and position. Alternatively, non adjustable fasteners, such as buckles, snaps, zippers, or buttons may be used to secure and adjust the non-stretchable boot strap.

In at least some embodiments of the present inventions, the boot strap is configured to include a forward and/or rearward cant. Some activities require boots where a first portion of the boot comes up higher or lower than a second portion of the boot (i.e., some equestrian boots have a shorter back portion such that they do not interfere with the riders movement while on the animal). Similarly, a canted boot strap is desirable for those having a prosthetic limbs because the canted boot strap may be positioned such as to enhance the fit of a boot. As such the canted boot strap allows the wearer to position the strap such that the boot strap remains comfortably hidden from view while still preventing the boot from sliding down.

In at least one embodiment, the boot strap further includes a trim material, such as scalloped or lace edging to further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the boot strap. Such decorative edging may include any number of desirable materials. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the optional decorative edging may add a desired whimsical effect for the otherwise utilitarian boot strap.

Similarly, the boot strap is made of materials that are available in a variety of different colors, such as to match with the wearer's skin-tone or coordinate with or complement the color of the boot. As such, the wearer can camouflage the boot strap's presence. Alternatively, the boot straps may be made using materials having bright colors, such that the straps are easy to locate in a drawer, luggage, or a closet.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

The one or more present inventions, in various embodiments, include components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof.

Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure.

The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes (e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation).

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosurenot to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims effect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention (e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure). It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for preventing boots from sliding down a wearer's leg, comprising of a stretchable strap having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface including a friction enhancing layer with at least one friction enhanced region and the second surface including a comfort enhancing layer; wherein, when positioned on the wearer's leg, the first surface is adjacent to an interior surface of a boot and the second surface is adjacent to the wearer's skin. 